Best Resorts For Non-Skiers

Want to have as much fun on the snow as your piste-bashing friends? Take a look at these winter-based adventures…

1 – Hit The Spa

Zermatt, Switzerland

Do: While your friends are busy burning calories on the slopes, you can be staying warm in this five-star spa. Stretching out over 1700 square metres, this haven to all things heavenly is just ready to be explored. You can start with a eucalyptus-infused steam bath, enjoy the biosauna complete with chromotherapy and then gaze out over the Matterhorn from one of the spa’s whirlpools. And before you meet your friends for afternoon tea is would be wrong not to enjoy the Mount Cervin Palace Treatment, which uses alpine herbs as a body scrub and goat’s milk to help moisturise your skin.

Stay: At the Mont Cervin Palace Hotel, you make your grand entrance into this exclusive hotel on a red horse-drawn carriage! This instantly sets the tone for your ski holiday: heartfelt hospitality, alpine elegance, gourmet restaurants and a historical property.

Eat: Chez Vrony, located at 2100 metres altitude is a 100 year old legend with serves tasty traditional food, all prepared using organic products, from animals nourished exclusively on Alpine grass. The views of the Matterhorn also make it a great destination to chill between two runs.

Zermatt’s viewing platform – amazing vistas await

2 – Take A Flight In A Hot Air Balloon

Courchevel, France

Do: Your friends may be on the slopes, but you’re sure to come home with the most spectacular scenery shots of all if you take a ride in a hot air balloon (Montgolfier) over the mountain. And instead of having thousands of skiers blocking your view of the piste, you’ll have clear views all the way.

Stay: Hotel Le K2 doesn’t just boast 29 superb rooms and suites, but also offers a five suite-chalet of exceptional quality. Ideal for family holidays or getaways with friends, the chalet has all the privacy you need coupled with personalised service. Every chalets comes with a swimming pool, a home cinema, a cosy fireplace and more to make you feel just at home. Another chalet option is Chalet Blanchot, which offers state-of-the-art- facilities, a homely atmosphere and its very own extensive spa area. And with ski in ski out access, hitting the slopes is an easy feat.

Eat: While your friends are chowing down on cold croque monsieurs on the mountain, you can be dining on not one, but two Michelin-starred creations. The Kintessence is famed for taking one ingredient and spinning it in numerous different dishes. Expect such treats as blinis with black mussels, duck foie gras and pan-seared langoustine, enoki mushrooms with pistachios, coconut and lime emulsion. The Michelin reviewers also rave about the restaurant for its interesting wine cellar.

A video posted by Courchevel – Station de ski (@courchevel_officiel) on Aug 21, 2014 at 11:32pm PDT

3 – Go Horseracing

St. Moritz, Switzerland

Do: You might have enjoyed the Melbourne Cup and cheered the horses home at Ascot, but have you ever attended a horse-race that takes place on a frozen lake? The annual White Turf that takes place every February in St Moritz and is much more than a horse race – it’s a festival. You can sip your vin chaud to live bands, visit art exhibitions and indulge in gourmet catering.

Stay: Book into to the ‘Grande Dame’ of Swiss hotels: Badrutt’s Palace Hotel. Not only can you arrive at the slopes in a Rolls Royce Phantom, but you can book one of its elegant rooms that offers unobstructed views of Lake Moritz. And you’ll adore the enormous spa with its sauna, steam room, ice bath and heated pool.

Eat: Chesa Veglia sits in a restored farmhouse which belongs to the aforementioned Badrutt’s Palace Hotel. The ambiance is laid back and the food superb. We especially enjoyed their oven pizzas; delicious!

4 – Hop On A Slide Into A Wine Cellar

St Anton, Austria

Do: Hospiz Alm’s extensive wine list is just one of the many highlights of this charming restaurant – prepare yourself to slide down to access the famous wine cellar! Australian specialities and delicious desserts make it our go-to place in St. Anton

Stay: The Mooser Hotel is an intimate property boasting a total of 17 rooms and suites and is the home of the world-renowned Mooserwort après-ski bar making it a stylish and popular option. An added bonus, is the ski-in, ski-out access! Spread out over four floors, Chalet Artemis is, simply put, a luxurious pad in the heart of St Anton. Sleeping up to 12 people, it’s perfect for big group getaways.

Eat: Enjoy a bite to eat overlooking the slopes at the gourmet mountainside restaurant, Ooben in Mooser. You can toast your friends with one of their fine whiskies as they swoosh down the mountain.

Lightfoot Travel is a luxury tour operator with offices in Singapore, Hong Kong and Dubai, specialising in designer holidays to countries spanning six continents around the world. We take pride in the originality of our trips, and a holiday with Lightfoot is guaranteed to be inspired, inventive, and perfectly tailored to suit your needs.

Verbier is one of Switzerland's snow sure resorts due to its high altitude and glacier skiing – the mountain offers something to…

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